SC concludes hearing into Parliamentary pension bill

Determination to be communicated to Speaker

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

The Supreme Court has concluded the arguments put forward in support and against the proposed Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill. Five (5) Special Determination petitions had been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of this bill. 

The parties were directed to file their written submissions. Later on, the Supreme Court’s determination over the proposed bill is to be communicated to the Speaker. Supreme Court three-judge bench comprised Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justice Achala Wengappuli and Justice Arjuna Obeyesekere.  Five Special Determination petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the proposed legislation seeking to repeal the Parliamentary Pensions Act.  The Bill titled “Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill” was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Justice and National Integration on 7 January 2026.  One petition has been filed by former parliamentarians M. M. Premasiri, Nawarathne Banda, Nishantha Deepal Gunasekara, and Saman Siri Herath, who served as Members of Parliament from 2004 to 2010.  The other petition has been filed by former MP Piyasoma Upali, who served as a Member of Parliament from 1988 to 2004, and former MP Upali Sarath Danstan Amarasiri, who served as a parliamentarian from 1988 to 2000. 

The Petitioners stated that there are retired members of parliament who have served for periods ranging from 5 years to thirty-five years, having dedicated their entire lives to public service, often at the expense of losing prospects in their respective professions, trades, enterprises, or businesses. 

The Petitioners further stated that retired members of parliament, as well as some widows, are solely dependent on their pensions, which are approximately around Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 80,000, and that such amounts are not insufficient to meet even their medical and other essential expenses. 

The petitioners are seeking a declaration that the bill requires the approval of the people at a referendum and requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Dr Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe PC and Eraj de Silva PC appeared for the petitioners.